title: Characterization of Mycorrhizal Isolates of Rhizoctonia solani from an Orchid, Including AG-12, a New Anastomosis Group.
abstract: ABSTRACT Isolates of Rhizoctonia solani collected from mycorrhizal orchid (Pterostylis acuminata) plants and adjacent leaf litter were characterized. Of 23 selected isolates, 20 were members of a new anastomosis group (AG-12) and the rest were members of AG-6. There were no bridging anastomosis reactions observed between AG-12 and other AGs of R. solani. Among the 20 isolates of AG-12 evaluated, 18 vegetatively compatible populations were detected, indicating diversity within the AG. Mature cultures were dark brown, as were mature sclerotia. Some cultures produced alternating dark- and light-colored concentric rings, with sclerotia forming in the darker rings. Most cultures were appressed to the agar surface. In tests run to characterize pathogenic potential, selected mycorrhizal isolates of AG-12 and AG-6 did little damage to potato and barley seedlings, moderate damage to head lettuce seedlings, and more extensive damage to seedlings of cauliflower and radish. Isolates of AG-12 have not been observed to fruit in nature, and all attempts to induce formation of the teleomorph (Thanatephorus cucumeris) in the laboratory by selected isolates of AG-12 failed.
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Carling
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Pope
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Brainard
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Carter